Do Compact Cities Lower Carbon Emissions? Insights from South Korea

What is it about?

This research investigates the relationship between compact urban development and consumption-based carbon emissions in South Korea. Using nighttime satellite imagery, the study estimates consumption-based carbon emissions and employs spatial analysis, K-means clustering, and regression models to analyze urban forms. The analysis identifies that clusters with desirable compact city features, such as higher land use diversity, population density, and green area ratios, exhibit lower carbon emissions. Conversely, increased vehicle kilometers traveled and limited high-speed rail access correlate with higher emissions. The study's scope includes metropolitan neighborhoods in South Korea, specifically focusing on energy consumption and urban density. Ultimately, the findings support the pursuit of compact city development to effectively lower consumption-based carbon emissions, emphasizing a balanced approach to sustainable urban planning.

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Photo by Ethan Brooke on Unsplash

Photo by Ethan Brooke on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study investigates the role of compact cities in achieving carbon neutrality by analyzing consumption-based carbon emissions through empirical methods. It is significant because it addresses the urgent need to transition to sustainable urban forms amidst a global climate crisis, providing insights into urban planning strategies that can effectively reduce carbon emissions. By focusing on the relationship between urban form and carbon emissions, the research informs policymakers and urban planners on designing cities that are both environmentally friendly and efficient. Key Takeaways: 1. The study demonstrates that clusters with urban forms resembling compact cities exhibit the lowest consumption-based carbon emissions, suggesting that such development forms are desirable for sustainable urban growth. 2. Findings reveal that increased land-use diversity, higher population density, improved transit access, and a greater proportion of green and agricultural areas correlate with reduced consumption-based carbon emissions, highlighting key factors for planners to consider in city design. 3. The research identifies that higher Vehicle Kilometers Traveled and limited access to high-speed rail are associated with increased consumption-based carbon emissions, indicating the importance of enhancing transportation infrastructure to support carbon reduction goals.